Our Top 5 Summer Pastas
Make the LBD of your pantry match the season.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
It's no secret that pasta basically goes with anything. Chicken, sausage, shrimp, vegetables — they all complement the dinner standby perfectly. But we also know what that weeknight dinner rut feels like. When you find yourself making bow ties and peas for the third week in a row, let us help you freshen things up a bit. Give your midweek pasta a flavor profile fit for the season with our most-popular summer pastas.
5. Tagliatelle with Corn and Cherry Tomatoes (pictured above)
Just a few farmers market picks can easily turn your ho-hum Wednesday night pasta into a meal that's bursting with the season's best. Cut that corn off the cob and stir the kernels together with simmered cherry tomatoes. You'll have a pop of summer flavor in every bite.
Brian Kennedy , 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
4. Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Hundreds of fans love Giada De Laurentiis' tomatoey take on pesto, and we can't argue. Turn sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and grated Parmesan into an easy and delicious sauce for penne — and let your food processor do most of the work.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
3. Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil
Too many tomatoes in your garden? Ina Garten knows just the solution: Saute them with garlic, high-quality olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. You'll have a 5-star dinner in no time.
Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
2. Penne with Shrimp and Herbed Cream Sauce
To add filling protein to your weeknight pasta without much effort, look to quick-cooking shrimp. Simply saute them with garlic, then stir together with fresh basil and parsley, tomatoes, and heavy cream for a pretty-in-pink dinner you'll want to serve year-round.
1. Quick Shells and Cheese
Admit it: The craving for creamy shells and cheese never subsides, even when it's sweltering outside. Thanks to Ree Drummond, you can make this family pleaser no matter how crazy your calendar gets during the week — or on the weekend. Your kids will happily eat this after a long day at summer camp, and your friends will love pairing it with burgers and dogs at your next cookout. And no one needs to know you whipped it up in only 16 minutes.
